Clamp
A clamp for securing an item includes a locking rod, first and second clamping members, and a retainer. The locking rod includes an elongated body and a locking member connected to a first end of the elongated body. The locking member is movable between a clamping position and a release position. The first clamping member includes a first opening for receiving a second end of the locking rod body therethrough. The second clamping member is adapted to align with the first clamping member to receive the item therebetween. The retainer is connected to the second clamping member and includes a second opening for receiving the second end of the locking rod body and an interlocking feature for engaging a corresponding interlocking feature on the locking rod body when the locking rod body is in a first rotational position. When the item is positioned between the first and second clamping members and the locking rod is inserted through the first opening and into the second opening and oriented in the first rotational position, moving the locking member from the release position to the clamping position tightens the first and second clamping members into clamping engagement with the item.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/691,922, filed Jun. 17, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present application relates to a clamp and more specifically to a clamp featuring quick clamping and releasing features for use in securing an item.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONConventional cable locks and U-bar locks are often used to secure an item, such as, for example, a bicycle, to a structure, such as a bicycle rack or sign post. While these or other locks may be sufficient to secure an item to a stationary structure, such a locking arrangement is often inadequate when securing the item to a vehicle, as movement of an item loosely attached to a moving vehicle may cause damage to the item and cause safety hazards to the driver and to others.
Racks have been provided for mounting on cars, trucks and buses, to provide a means for securing an assortment of items, such as bicycles, surfboards, skis, and luggage or other cargo to the vehicle. Such racks are often provided with clamps or locks to rigidly secure the item or items to the rack.
One such rack 1 is illustrated in
The present application relates to a clamp for securing an item to a structure. According to one aspect of the application, a clamp may be adapted to provide a quick clamping mechanism that does not require multiple rotations of a bolt or other fastener to securely clamp the item. According to another aspect of the application, a clamp may be adapted to provide a uniform clamp load to an item secured between two plates when the plates are skewed at an angle with respect to each other. According to yet another aspect of the application, a clamp may be adapted to be locked in the clamped condition, thus preventing accidental loosening of the clamp or theft of the secured item.
In one exemplary embodiment, a clamp for securing an item includes a locking rod, first and second clamping members, and a retainer. The locking rod includes an elongated body and a locking member connected to a first end of the elongated body. The locking member is movable between a clamping position and a release position. The first clamping member includes an opening for receiving a second end of the locking rod body therethrough. The second clamping member is adapted to be aligned with the first clamping member to receive the item therebetween. The retainer is connected to the second clamping member and includes a second opening for receiving the second end of the locking rod body. The retainer also includes an interlocking feature for engaging a corresponding interlocking feature on the locking rod body when the locking rod body is in a first rotational position. When the item is positioned between the saddles of the first and second clamping members and the locking rod is inserted through the first opening and into the second opening and oriented in the first rotational position, moving the locking member from the release position to the clamping position tightens the first and second plates into clamping engagement with the item.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFurther features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
This Detailed Description of the Invention merely describes embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. Indeed, the invention as described is broader than and not limited by the preferred embodiments, and the terms used have their full ordinary meaning.
In one embodiment, a clamping arrangement may include first and second clamping members between which one or more items may be clamped. The clamping members may take many different forms or configurations to accommodate the item or items to be clamped. In the illustrated embodiment of
The plates 20, 30 may be connectable to a frame, such as a rack or trailer mount, for attachment to a structure, such as a wall or vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment of
According to the present invention, a locking rod may be insertable through aligned openings in first and second clamping members to apply a clamping force to the clamping members. In one embodiment, a portion of the locking rod may engage a retainer connected with the second clamping member, such that movement of the locking rod within the aligned openings exerts a clamping force on the second clamping member, to bring the first and second clamping members into clamping engagement with one or more items placed between them. The retainer may be any type of structure, such as a bracket, fastener, latch, or other such housing adapted to secure an inserted end of the locking rod. The retainer may be connected directly or indirectly to the second clamping member. In one example, the retainer includes a housing provided in a frame member connected to the second clamping member. Many different mechanisms may be used to engage the locking rod with the retainer. In one embodiment, the locking rod and retainer are provided with interlocking features, such as, for example, detents or mating threads, such that the locking rod engages the retainer to provide a secure connection.
While the locking rod may take many different forms, in the illustrated embodiment best shown in
When an inserted end of a locking rod has engaged a retainer connected to the second clamping member, a locking member may be provided with the locking rod to engage the first clamping member and hold the clamping members in clamping engagement with the clamped items. The locking member may include many different types of mechanisms and components, including, for example, pins, latches, and fasteners. In one embodiment, a locking member includes a lever pivotally connected to the locking rod, such that the lever is pivotable into a clamping condition, in which the lever pulls the inserted end of the locking rod and the retainer toward the first clamping member, while pressing the first clamping member against the second clamping member. This locking member may be a removable component that attaches to the rod to provide engagement. The locking member may also be permanently attached to the rod and movable between an engaging or clamping position and a disengaging or release position.
In the illustrated embodiment, the locking rod 50 is provided with a locking member or locking lever 70 pivotally connected to an end of the locking rod body 51, such that the lever 70 pivots about an axis perpendicular to the locking rod body 51. While the illustrated lever 70 is connected to the locking rod body by a pivot pin 76, mechanisms may be provided to connect the lever to the locking rod body. The exemplary locking lever 70 is provided with a camming surface 73 adapted to exert a force against the first plate 20 when the lever 70 is pivoted from a release position to a clamping position. While the lever 70 of the illustrated embodiment is substantially collinear with the locking rod body 51 in the release position and perpendicular to the locking rod body 51 in the clamping position, the lever may be adapted to provide clamping and release positions at different orientations. While a lever may be provided with a camming surface that directly engages the first plate, the illustrated embodiment includes a cup-shaped seating adapter 75 disposed on the locking rod body 51 between the lever 70 and a shoulder 55. The first plate opening 24 may be provided with a contoured surface for flush engagement between a contoured surface of the seating adapter 75 and the opening 24. When the exemplary lever 70 is pivoted into the clamping position, engagement of the camming surface 73 with the cup-shaped adapter 75 (shown in phantom in
According to another aspect of the invention, a locking lever that draws first and second clamping members into clamping engagement with an item or items may be adapted to be locked in a clamping position. This may prevent loosening of the clamp and/or theft of the clamped item or items. Many different locking arrangements or mechanisms may be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in
In operating the illustrated exemplary clamping arrangement, the frame member 40 is attached to a vehicle or other structure (not shown). The crossbars A, B of the bicycles to be clamped are placed between saddles 22, 32 of the first and second plates 20, 30. The locking rod body 51 is inserted through openings 24, 34 in the first and second plates 20, 30, and into the retainer opening 64. The locking rod body 51 is rotationally positioned such that a threaded portion 52 on the locking rod body 51 engages the threaded pawl 62 to secure the inserted end of the locking rod body 51 in the retainer 60. The locking lever 70 is then pivoted into a clamping position causing the camming surface 73 to engage the seating adapter 75, pushing the first plate 20 toward the inserted end of the locking rod body 51, as well as the retainer 60 and second plate 30, to draw the first and second plates 20, 30 into clamping engagement with the crossbars A, B. The hasp 28 is received through the slot 78 in the pivoted lever 70. A padlock, cable, or other obstruction (not shown) is inserted through the hasp 28 to retain the pivoted clamping position of the lever 70, and the rotational position of the locking rod body 51 to maintain engagement between the threaded portion 52 and the pawl 62.
To remove the bicycles from the exemplary clamping arrangement, the obstruction is removed from the hasp 28, and the lever 70 is pivoted to the release position, which allows the first plate 20 to move away from the second plate 30 to loosen the clamped condition. The locking rod body 51 is then rotated to align a flat portion 54 of the body 51 with the pawl 62, which is generally less than a quarter-turn (90°) rotation. This allows the locking rod body 51 to be disengaged from the pawl 62. The locking rod body 51 is then withdrawn from the retainer 60 and from the first and second plates 20, 30. The first plate 20 is then separated from the second plate 30 so that the items may be removed.
While several embodiments of the invention has been illustrated and described in considerable detail, the present invention is not to be considered limited to the precise constructions disclosed. Various adaptations, modifications and uses of the invention may occur to those skilled in the arts to which the invention relates. It is the intention to cover all such adaptations, modifications and uses falling within the scope or spirit of the claims filed herewith.
Claims
1. A clamp for holding an item, the clamp comprising:
- a locking rod comprising an elongated body and a locking member connected to a first end of the elongated body, the locking member being movable between a clamping position and a release position;
- a first clamping member comprising a first opening for receiving a second end of the locking rod body therethrough;
- a second clamping member adapted to align with the first clamping member to receive the item therebetween; and
- a retainer connected to the second clamping member, the retainer comprising a second opening for receiving the second end of the locking rod body and an interlocking feature for engaging a corresponding interlocking feature on the locking rod body when the locking rod body is in a first rotational position;
- wherein when the item is positioned between the first and second clamping members and the locking rod body is inserted through the first opening and into the second opening and the locking rod body is oriented in the first rotational position, moving the locking member from the release position to the clamping position tightens the first and second clamping members into clamping engagement with the item, and
- when the locking rod body is in a second rotational position in the retainer, the interlocking features of the locking rod body and retainer are disengaged to allow the locking rod body to be withdrawn from the retainer.
2. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the first rotational position is approximately ninety degrees from the second rotational position.
3. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the locking member comprises a lever pivotally connected to the first end of the elongated body, the lever being pivotable between the clamping position and the release position.
4 The clamp of claim 3, wherein the first clamping member further comprises a hasp, wherein when the lever is in the clamping position and the locking rod body is in the first rotational position, insertion of an obstruction through the hasp secures the lever in the clamping position and secures the locking rod body in the first rotational position.
5. The clamp of claim 4, wherein the lever comprises an aperture for receiving the hasp therethrough.
6. The clamp of claim 3, wherein the locking rod further comprises a seating adapter assembled with the first end of the elongated body for seating against the first opening, wherein a camming surface of the lever engages the seating adapter to position the locking rod body with respect to the seating adapter.
7. The clamp of claim 6, wherein the seating adapter and the first opening comprise complementary contoured surfaces.
8. The clamp of claim 7, wherein the complementary contoured surfaces are spherical surfaces.
9. The clamp of claim 6, wherein the seating adapter is retained on the locking rod body between the lever and a shoulder at the first end of the locking rod body.
10. The clamp of claim 9, further comprising a spring disposed on the locking rod body between the seating adapter and the shoulder.
11. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the locking rod body interlocking feature comprises a threaded surface and the retainer interlocking feature comprises a threaded pawl.
12. The claim of claim 11, wherein the threaded surface and the threaded pawl comprise zero pitch threads.
13. The clamp of claim 11, wherein the threaded pawl is spring-loaded, such that when the locking rod body is in the first orientation, the pawl permits movement of the locking rod body in a clamping direction and prevents movement of the locking rod body in a releasing direction.
14. The clamp of claim 11, wherein the locking rod body further comprises a flat surface that aligns with the threaded pawl in the second rotational position.
15. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the first and second clamping members comprise first and second plates.
16. The clamp of claim 15, wherein the first and second plates each comprise a saddle for receiving the item therebetween.
17. The clamp of claim 16, wherein the first and second plates each comprise a plurality of saddles for receiving a plurality of items therebetween.
18. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the retainer is disposed in a frame member.
19. The clamp of claim 18, wherein the frame member is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle.
20. A method of clamping an item to a structure, the method comprising:
- providing first and second clamping members;
- attaching the second clamping member to the structure;
- positioning a portion of the item between the first and second clamping members;
- inserting a locking rod body through an opening in the first clamping member and into a retainer connected to the second clamping member;
- positioning the locking rod body in a first rotational position to engage interlocking features on the locking rod and the retainer; and
- pivoting a lever connected to the locking rod body about an axis perpendicular to the locking rod body to axially move the locking rod body, such that the lever and the retainer tighten the first and second clamping members into clamping engagement with the item.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein rotating the locking rod body within the retainer to engage interlocking features on the locking rod and retainer comprises engaging mating threaded portions of the locking rod body and the retainer.
22. The method of claim 20, further comprising providing spherical seating surfaces between the lever and the first clamping member opening, such that pivoting the lever applies a uniform clamping force around the first clamping member opening when the first clamping member is disposed at an angle from parallel with respect to the second clamping member opening.
23. The method of claim 20, further comprising locking the lever in a clamping position.
24. The method of claim 20, further comprising locking the lever in the first rotational position to prevent disengagement of the interlocking features.
25. A clamp for holding an item, the clamp comprising:
- a locking rod comprising an elongated body and a lever pivotally connected to a first end of the elongated body, the lever being pivotable between a clamping position and a release position;
- a first clamping member comprising a first opening for receiving a second end of the locking rod body therethrough;
- a second clamping member adapted to align with the first clamping member to receive the item therebetween; and
- a retainer connected to the second clamping member, the retainer comprising a second opening for receiving the second end of the locking rod body and threaded pawl for engaging a corresponding threaded surface on the locking rod body when the locking rod body is in a first rotational position;
- wherein the locking rod further comprises a seating adapter assembled with the first end of the elongated body for seating against the first opening, wherein a camming surface of the lever engages the seating adapter to position the locking rod body with respect to the seating adapter.
26. The clamp of claim 25, wherein the locking rod body further comprises a flat portion that aligns with the threaded pawl when the locking rod body is in a second rotational position.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 19, 2006
Publication Date: Jan 18, 2007
Patent Grant number: 7556229
Inventors: Joe Elliott (Mequon, WI), Frank Scott (Milwaukee, WI)
Application Number: 11/455,437
International Classification: A47B 96/00 (20060101); A47K 1/00 (20060101);